The Hindu temple dedicated to the god Shiva, located on Rameswaram Island in Tamil Nadu, India, is one of the twelve Jyotirlinga temples. It is a significant pilgrimage site and part of the 274 Paadal Petra Sthalams, where the three revered Nayanmars Appar, Sundarar, and Tirugnana Sambandar have sung hymns in praise of the temple. The temple underwent significant expansion in the 12th century by the Pandya Dynasty. Its principal shrines and sanctum were later renovated by Jeyaveera Cinkaiariyan and his successor Gunaveera Cinkaiariyan, rulers of the Jaffna Kingdom.
Timings
From 5 A.M to 9 P.M(except between 1 P.M and 3 P.M).
Entry Fee
Free of cost
Origin/History :-
According to historian Firishta, Malik Kafur, the head general of Alauddin Khalji, the ruler of the Delhi Sultanate, reached Rameswaram during his southern campaign in the early 14th century, despite resistance from the Pandyan princes. To commemorate his victory, he is said to have erected a mosque named Alia al-Din Khaldji. Records by court historians of the Delhi Sultanate state that Malik Kafur raided prominent temple towns such as Madurai, Chidambaram, Srirangam, Vriddhachalam, and Rameswaram. These raids targeted temples, which were significant repositories of wealth, including gold and jewels. In 1311, Malik Kafur returned to Delhi with immense loot from Dwarasamudra and the Pandya kingdom.
Rameswaram has been governed by various dynasties over centuries, each contributing to its cultural and economic significance:
Pandya Kingdom: Before the 9th century CE, Rameswaram was under the rule of the Pandyan dynasty from Madurai.
Chola Kingdom (1012–1040 CE): Briefly controlled by the Cholas, known for their maritime and architectural prowess.
Jaffna Kingdom (1153–1186 CE): Played a role during the medieval period.
Pandya Revival (1253–1268 CE): Regained control for a short period.
Vijayanagara Kingdom (Madurai Nayaks, 13th–17th centuries): Supervised Rameswaram indirectly through local rulers.
Sethupathis: Governors assigned by the Madurai Nayaks, who played a significant role in temple construction and development.
Harbor of Trade: Rameswaram was a bustling port during the Pandya and Chola eras, exporting rare conches (especially right-handed conches) and pearls in colors such as white, black, and brown to nations like China, Arabia, Sumeria, Egypt, and Rome.
Evolution of the Ramanathaswamy Temple
The temple underwent significant transformations over time, evolving from a modest thatched shed to the grand architectural marvel seen today:
10th Century: Initially maintained as a small shrine under the guidance of saints.
12th–16th Centuries: Major construction and expansion.
Paranthaka Chola and Raja Raja Chola (10th–11th Centuries): Constructed five small shrines (sannathis) on the west side of the third corridor: Naleswarar, Neeleswarar, Kavayeswarar, Bapa Paksheshwarar, Punya Thaaneswarar, Sri Lankan King Parakrama Bahu (1153–1186 CE): Built key sanctums, including the first corridor and shrines for: Ramanathaswamy (Moolavar Sannathi), Parvatha Varthini Ambal, Kasi Viswanathar, Visalatchi.
1404 CE: Harihara II of the Vijayanagara dynasty initiated the second corridor's construction, which was later completed in the 16th century by Thirumalai Sethupathi.
1414 CE: Udaiyan Sethupathi, with help from the Sri Lankan Tamil king Pararaajaseka Aryasakravarthy, began renovations using granite from Thirukonamalai.
1434 CE: Construction of the west gopuram (78 feet) and temple's outer walls with donations from a Nagoor Vysya devotee.
17th Century Onward:
Foundation for the third corridor laid by Vijaya Ragunatha Sethupathi in 1722 and completed in 1772 by Muthu Ramalinga Vijaya Ragunatha Sethupathi.
The east gopuram (126 feet, 9 tiers) was constructed between 1897–1904 with funding from the Devakottai A.L.A.R family.
The iconic Nandhi, standing 17 feet tall and 12 feet wide, was commissioned by Chinna Udaiyan Kattathevar.
The temple has undergone multiple renovations and consecrations:
First Kumbabishekam: 1925 (renovation of first praharam with granite pillars, funded by A.L.A.R family).
Second Kumbabishekam: 27 February 1947.
Third Kumbabishekam: 5 February 1975.
Fourth Kumbabishekam: 5 February 2001.
Fifth Kumbabishekam: 5 February 2007.
Rameswaram continues to be a significant religious and cultural landmark, shaped by its dynastic heritage and contributions from devotees across centuries.
After the battle between Rama and Ravana, the sages accompanying Goddess Sita to Tamil Nadu met Lord Rama and advised him to consecrate and worship a Shiva Linga to atone for the Brahmahati Dosha incurred by killing Ravana, the grandson of Brahma's son Pulastya. Following their counsel, Rama instructed Hanuman to bring a Linga from Kashi. Meanwhile, a Linga made of sand was consecrated and worshiped in its place. Upon Hanuman's return, he was disheartened to see the sand Linga already installed. To console Hanuman, Rama declared that the Linga he brought would receive the first abhisheka (ritual bathing), followed by the worship of the sand Linga. This tradition continues to this day.
Do's and Don'ts
Follow temple customs and dress codes.
Keep the temple clean.
Offer prayers respectfully.
Maintain silence and calm.
Be respectful to others.
Seek guidance if needed.
Avoid loud behavior and phone use.
Don’t touch sacred idols.
Refrain from photography in restricted areas.
No eating or drinking inside.
Don’t disrespect temple property.
Avoid bargaining for offerings.
Dress Code
For Men:
Wear traditional clothing such as dhoti, lungi, or formal attire.
Avoid wearing shorts, sleeveless shirts, or ripped clothes.
Cover the head with a cloth when entering the temple, if required.
For Women:
Wear saree, salwar kameez, or a modest dress.
Avoid wearing revealing clothes, shorts, or sleeveless tops.
A head covering may be required in certain temples.
The best time to visit Rameshwaram is from October to April, when the weather is pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 17°C to 32°C. During the summer months, from March to June, the temperatures can be moderately hot, ranging from 25°C to 38°C, with an average temperature of 35°C. It is advisable to avoid visiting during the rainy season, between July and September, as the humidity tends to rise, making sightseeing and outdoor activities less enjoyable.
How to reach :-
By Air: The nearest airport is Madurai International Airport, about 175 km from Rameshwaram. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach the temple.
By Train: Mandapam Railway Station is well-connected to major cities in Tamil Nadu and other parts of India. You can take a direct train to Rameswaram from cities like Chennai, Madurai, and Coimbatore.
By Road: Rameshwaram is well-connected by road. You can take a bus or hire a taxi from nearby cities like Madurai (175 km), Thanjavur (225 km), or Chennai (600 km). The temple is easily accessible via the Pamban Bridge, which connects the island to the mainland.
Nearby Cities and Rivers
Rivers:
Ganges River – Symbolic representation at the temple, where water from the Ganges is used for Abhishekam.
Pamban River – Located to the north of Rameswaram, near the famous Pamban Bridge.
Cities:
Rameswaram – The town housing the Ramanathaswamy Temple.
Dhanushkodi – A coastal town located 18 km south of Rameswaram, known for its historical significance.
Manduadih – A town situated north of Rameswaram.
Madurai – Located approximately 170 km west of Rameswaram, known for the Meenakshi Temple.
